Beggars Opera Waters of Change UK 71 1Y Stunning copy

	£		80
	$		105

Beggars Opera

Waters of Change

Original vintage 1971 UK release !

6360054  1Y  /2  42011  1 / 1 /  5

6360054  2Y  /1  42011  1 / 3

Black and white vertigo swirl label

One of the most hard to find album presentations of this highly esteemed seventies rock group. Scottish originated band and established in 1969. Prog Sub genre-Early symphonic/Proto-progressive.

Their second album release and their very best as the album shows a significant maturation in the song writing department and a significant development in classical rock and the over the top organ bombast of Act one (their previous album). This music from the second album is more restrained and melodic. There is a definite balance between complexity and instrumental flair against the more solid song writing and addictive melodies.

Vinyl

Thick quality heavyweight giant. Hardly any surface marks visible under ordinary light. Glass like surfaces and a pleasure to view. Excellent + visual. If angled against a strong halogen, may observe some hairlines/extremely light surface which disappear behind a staggering sheen. An absolute gem of a vision . So rare to locate and in stunning condition.

Labels

Black and white vertigo swirl label format signifying the very first issue of this elusive UK release. Some light spindle lines visible. The white is pure and unblemished and appear excellent with no damage of any kind. No mottling or discoloration . No rips or tears. Unbelievable condition . Pretty awesome against the jet black , polished surfaces of the vinyl.

Sleeve

No price code on reverse confirming that this is the very first issue of this amazing album release .Opening first issue gatefold sleeve with unlaminated outer faces which were prone to massive ring wear and vinyl impressions  .  This album cover is exemplary and possibly one of the best in existence today. Hardly any ring wear visible !! Spine is square and solid. Only wear visible is at corners and upper/lower spinal extremities only!! Ultra clean surfaces . The artistry on outer cover is divine with almost an impressionistic focus on the cascading falls of water  over descending jagged rocks. The tints of sky blue, whites and creams project in sensational style, highlighted by a golden freckling of fine spray, which results in a breathtaking presentation of this phenomenal UK rarity. The gatefold opens to an unbelievable centrefold of a picture of the group against a deep purple background, complimented by a golden shadowed effect. No fading on the colorations at all and appear factory fresh with an ultra clean feel.  One of the best album designs of the seventies and the best example of this album cover first issue sleeve in existence today.

Audio

Sensational and graded a solid excellent. The tones of mellotron ,performed by Virginia Scott, are truly remarkable on this LP and adds to the album’s warmth,  and earthy punch. The eccentric vocalsfrom Martin Griffiths must be heard and are quite captivating and convey the main themes quite perfectly. Waters of Change is reputed to be the master of their works and their very best album ever to be produced , far better than previous Act one. The music is thoroughly addictive and enjoyable. The progressive classical features merge together in complexity and through a skilful rock infusion giving a megamix of melancholic vibes from Time Machine  ,a humorous faux  medieval jig from Festival and the grandiosity of Silver Peacock. Tones are delivered primarily through very clear channels. One or two inexplicable pops only and not much to fault from this aural delivery. Any surface is heard only occasionally and remains at a distance. Excellent channels and should not disappoint. Awesome sound .

Complete with the original black & white inner swirl sleeve in excellent condition.

One of the finest examples ever viewed of this UK album release. Beggars Opera was short lived but produced one of the most diverse and satisfying sounds of the seventies .Light hearted and melodic, early progressive rock at its very, very best !True investment quality and highly sought after in the collectors’ world. Will one ever come across another ? I doubt, as this release is becoming rarer and rarer and more difficult to locate as each day passes.

A sensational exhibit and one not to be overlooked!

Shipping

UK-£4.00

Europe-£5.00

USA/Japan-£8.00